Blugold Football Suffers First Conference Loss of Season

The Blugolds (3-2, 1-1 WIAC) and Pioneers (3-2, 1-1
WIAC) hung right with each other in the first quarter but
Platteville took a big lead in the second quarter after scoring
three touchdowns.

While the Blugolds opened the game with the ball,
the drive went only 28 yards in eight plays and the Blugolds were
forced to punt. Platteville then scored on its opening possession,
traveling 94 yards on 17 plays, for the seven-point lead.

The Blugolds got a little spark after the Pioneers
fumbled a punt following the Blugolds' next possession and
Eau Claire recovered on Platteville's 45 yard line. Three
plays after the recovery, all rushes by Joel
Sweeney(Fr.-Tomah, Wis.), the freshman found
the end zone following a 19-yard run. Brandon
Raciborski(Sr.-Eau Claire, Wis./Memorial)
added the extra point to tie the game up at 7-7.

It was all Pioneers in the second quarter.
Platteville scored on all three of its possessions to push the lead
to 28-7 by the end of the quarter. The Blugolds had an opportunity
to score just seconds before the half, but after the Blugolds were
unable to get the ball into the end zone, Raciborski came in to
attempt a 19-yard field goal. Unfortunately for the Blugolds, the
kick went wide right to make the halftime score 28-7.

Platteville came out strong in the second half and
scored on its opening drive. The touchdown was scored by Lee
Vlasak, his fifth rushing touchdown of the game, tying for the
second most in a game in conference history.

The Blugolds answered on their next possession
after a Sweeney rushing touchdown from eight yards out and
Raciborski again added the extra point to make the score 35-14.
Neither team was able to score again the rest of the way.

While Sweeney had a good game rushing with 114
yards on 19 carries, the Blugolds' passing game struggled. Austin
Neu(So.-Iron Ridge, Wis./Hustisford)
finished with 152 yards on 15-for-31 passing but it was not until
four minutes before halftime when the Blugolds completed their
first pass. The Blugolds also struggled protecting their
quarterback as Platteville recorded five sacks on the day.